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Christmas Carol

Decided to post a little early this week to honor Mother’s Day and a happy day to all you dedicated moms out there. This is a picture of my mom, my sister Molly, and me back in the day. My mother was a character to say the least and here are a few anecdotes to honor her on Mother’s Day.

First off, my mom loved Molly and me unconditionally, but loved my father first and foremost. Seems like that is the recipe for a happy marriage to put your spouse first and then the kids. My mom must have really loved my father because she did so much for Molly and me. Imagine how dedicated she was to my father if she treated us so well? But again- getting back to the fact that she was a character. My mother had perfect pitch and was always singing at parties. She had a beautiful voice and the main reason I kept playing the piano as a kid was to accompany her singing. Walking in the rain and the snow to my piano lessons was all worth it when I heard my mom sing. In later years, when I parked cars at Shannopin Country Club, I was ready to call it a night when I heard my mom start to sing. I told the boys we better order a pizza because it was going to be a long night. When my mom started to sing, we were there for the duration.

Mom and yours truly at Lake Erie.

I remember when I first learned to swim. I was afraid to take my deep- water test at 5 years old and my mom looked at Don Geyer and told him to throw me in. She knew I could swim, and she knew I had to overcome my fears. Much to the horror of her friends who were all sitting poolside in hysterectomy row, she told them all that the water would get deeper and deeper every year. When I swam to the side with a big smile on my face, my mom looked at me and said,” You can do anything you want to do in life, Patrick.” And then she told Don to throw me off the diving boards.

I used to swim at the Northside Y, and one night when my dad picked me up, I told him I saw the police come into the lobby and chase down a guy with a knife that had stabbed someone. It was fairly alarming to a young guy, but my mom told me that life was not all about the suburbs. She had no problem with me witnessing the other side of the tracks. Same when I worked at St. Joe Paper Company as a laborer in the summers during college. I told her all about the shenanigans in the “bottoms” of McKees Rocks and she once again told me that it was good for me and would teach me how to deal with all kinds of people. She was right.

Young Pat with the ski outfit put together by my mom. LOL!!

My mother was not much of an outdoors person or athletic for that matter. But she made sure my sister and I learned to swim, play tennis, and ski. I always joke when people ask me if my parents skied. I said “no” for my dad who had a bad back and yes for my mother. She skied 3 feet. When she fell back and hit her head, she told her friend Virginia Ruth to” “take the damn things off”. But she made sure Molly and I learned. When Bob Rose used to pick us up for the weekend, she cooked our dinner on Friday at 3:00 and made sure we were ready to go when Mr. Rose was in the driveway. Then she entertained the whole lot with pots of chili when we all got back on Sunday.

I was able to drive my mother’s ’64 Buick Special convertible in high school. My dad outfitted it with heavy snow tires and concrete bags in the trunk for the winter. On a snow day, my mom said, ” school is cancelled- are you going skiing?” Kind of hilarious in that she knew that I was hell bent to go skiing in those instances and she was fully supportive. Ever since she rear -ended a garbage truck, she was hesitant to drive and eventually quit. Giving me her car was the perfect excuse. But again, whatever she could do to support us as our mother was readily apparent.

My mother loved Christmas. In fact, all her friends called her Christmas Carol in that she always orchestrated a huge Christmas Eve party at our house every year. It was so well attended and was a lot of work for all of us, but relatives, friends, and neighbors were all welcome. Eventually, I told my mom that if she kept inviting people, we would have to switch the venue from our house to a banquet hall. We all laughed at that, but my mom was intent on always entertaining year- round, but especially at Christmas. She gave a lot of people a lot of happiness in those years and some of them really needed the friendship and the care. She always told me that ” happiness is like a perfume. You can’t sprinkle it on others without getting a little on yourself.” Her friends and relatives were everything to her and her dedication to their happiness was heartwarming.

The house on Pineview Drive. The Christmas Eve venue

In later years, my mom didn’t understand my love for competition and events. I ran the Boston Marathon one year and I remember sitting on my parent’s deck at the house and was so excited to relay my experience. The crowds on Commonwealth Ave., the Newton Hills, the Wellesley College girls screams heard miles away, the finish near Fenway Park and the Green Monster welcoming us home. My mom looked at me and said, ” well that’s nice- would you like some more potatoes?” She just didn’t get it, but ironically, she started it all. I would come home from Tuckerman Ravine after camping and skiing for a week and explaining the steepness of the terrain and the chunks of ice and rock that fell which were the size of a Volkswagen. She would look at me with kind of a blank look and say- ” more potatoes?”

My mom had lots of friends as she was fond of saying ” to have a friend is to be a friend.” In the end days when she was receiving lots of blood transfusions, she was always positive. She said she just got up in the morning, washed her face, and kept going. Nothing stopped her. She used to look at me when I walked her up the steps after my dad had passed and she would laugh and say ” how the hell did I get so damn old.” Even when she was quite ill, she and Mary Struk and Sally Rose would go to the “club” which was Grant’s Bar in Millvale. She loved Grant’s Bar and one day when the big flood came, the police came into the bar and basically kicked them all out saying, ” if you ladies don’t leave now, we will be taking you out in a row- boat.” The ice machine from the Grant Bar was floating down the street minutes later. The gals got out just in time.

My mom was a character but if it were not for her persistence, I don’t know whether I would have had the exuberance that I have for skiing, and other outdoor endeavors. She always pushed me, and I am forever grateful that she did. I enjoy a lot of things because of my mom. I miss her as she had been gone 20 years. But I will always remember her smile, her beautiful voice, her fabulous meals, and her kindness to friends and relatives. Someday I will see her again – forever. In the meantime- Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven mom. Thanks for reading and always cherish your mom.

The relatives. Looks like Molly was upset with me. LOL!!

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The Bowl from Dingle

Years ago, I rode my road bike through Ireland and had the experience of a lifetime. Great stories like when the guy in the pub asked me,” Where are you from Yank?” I asked how he knew. He said, ” not many people wear shorts and running shoes around here.” We both had a chuckle(craic) over a classic Guiness pint. Or the guy who took me to his friend at the hardware store and told him to sell me a lock for my bike and not to ” give him a hooking.” We laughed at that one too and he told me he was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and this was his good deed for the day. The Irish are real characters molded by their history, weather, and humor.

As I made my way west, I ended up in the Dingle Peninsula where I came across a pottery shop. I bought this bowl seen above and had it shipped to my home as I could not carry it while riding the bike. Most days, I was gone all day on the bike. Just me-self, peddling me arse all over the country. So, when the bowl arrived weeks later, I was so thrilled to get it and lo and behold( or faith and begorrah), I have had this bowl for almost 40 years. It has proudly served me soup, cereal, oatmeal, salsa, pasta, and many other meals over the years and every time I use it, I think of the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry and the whole west coast of Ireland, which by bicycle, was absolutely spectacular.

A very young Pat McCloskey riding through the Sod.

But the amazing thing about the bowl is how well it has held up over all these years. Hours in the dishwasher, sitting on the counter, etc. Didn’t crack, break, or become useless much like it’s owner. Somehow it manages to stand the test of time and still be the bowl that I remember all those years ago. Truthfully, it has held up pretty well considering the abuse of 40 years. It is a beautiful, workable, piece of art. Everyone should have a cereal bowl like this- especially with it’s history.

Another miracle- shamrocks that were my mother’s. She passed 20 years ago.

Riding my road bike through Ireland was a treat. I was given a map in the morning at breakfast, and all I had to do was make it to the next stop on the tour by dinner time. The van took my bags to each town. All day, by myself, taking in the sounds, sights, and smells of Ireland. It has been a long time since I have been there, and I can’t believe that Janet and I have not been back. That hiatus will end this August when we will go to Ireland. Me, for only the second time, and Janet for the first time. I can’t wait to see the changes and some of the places where I have not been. Gratefully, Dingle is on the program. As beautiful a seaside village as you will ever see and as far west as Europe goes. In fact, there is a sign that identifies a Catholic church as the westernmost parish in Europe. Next parish- Boston, Mass. This time we will not be riding bicycles. We will be in a small van with some other folks. Hopefully I will remember some of the roads where I rode my road bike like Sleigh Head Drive? Maybe we will see the sheep with the colorful dots on their backs identifying their flock. An aside on my bike trip, I came whipping around a bend and came upon a flock of these colorfully marked sheep and slammed on my brakes. The shepherd said” it would have been a soft landin there laddie.” The Irish humor is dry and so funny. Maybe I will buy another bowl in Dingle? Maybe not? Chances are this one will outlast me. Slainte’ Thanks for reading.

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Overcoming Adversity

Jeff Chetlin and Pete Hilton -North Park trails.

You know, the great writer and pastor Chuck Swindoll always said,” life is 10 percent what happens to you, and 90 percent how you react to it.” A lot of truth to that statement and when you think about it for a minute, it hits the nail right on the head. At least, that is how it should be for all of us. A lot of us react with a positive attitude when something happens, others do not. But if you can handle adversity and make something good come out of it, you are better off personally, and also you can make life better for those who interact with you. Personally, I also believe that it is a good chance to share your faith and be a good witness to the Good News even when bad things happen to you. Handling adversity is not for the faint of heart.

Take my friend Jeff Chetlin, for instance. Now I have posted about Jeff and his lovely wife Julie before but as a refresher, Jeff had a stroke a couple of years ago that could have been devastating in consequence. Jeff was having a routine heart valve replacement and produced a clot on the operating table and had a stroke. His recovery was slow and steady, but Jeff always had a positive and a “can-do” attitude which helped his recovery over the last couple of years. I remember his first mountain bike ride after the stroke down at the Bowling Green area of Frick Park. He was a bit apprehensive but wanted to do it and I remember telling him- ” you know how to ride a bike, just get on and peddle.” Which is what he did with a big smile on his face. Fast forward a couple of years and here he is this weekend riding all the trails at our North Park with very little trouble at all. Jeff has always been a “go getter” guy and his attitude towards his recovery has been exemplary. Although he admits that he is not back to where he once was before he had the stroke, he is grateful that he can ski at his home area of Mt. Bachelor, Oregon. He makes beautiful turns- I was witness to that last winter. He also has been riding the trail systems in Bend with no issue.

Julie Chetlin- leading the way in more ways than one for her hubby Jeff.

Along with his uber- supportive wife Julie, the active couple shares their time between Bend, Oregon and Pittsburgh. Julie has family here and she spends time with them, and also with all of us who are their Pittsburgh team of friends and support. But the cool thing is how much Julie and Jeff are involved in their active communities both here and in Bend. Mountain bike riding, skiing, hiking, in two different parts of the country- all while Jeff has continually worked to improve his situation since the stroke. He has done remarkably well, and you would never know unless you spoke to him about it, that he had this setback. Not many people in his situation could come back and ride the muddy, rocky, root infested trails of North Park and do it with expertise and a smile on their face like Jeff.

Pete Hilton- Jeff’s North Park shadow.
Jodi Griswold- slaying the trails at North Park.

But perhaps the most salient comment on the ride this weekend was from our friend Jodi Griswold. As we took a break on the North Ridge, Jodi remarked how inspiring it is to see Jeff willing to speak to people about having a stroke and the consequences and recovery challenges in his life. He has done well, no doubt, but Jodi is right. Jeff spends a lot of time on calls with stroke recovery victims and also speaking to them in person both here and in Bend. He encourages them and tells them that if they work hard like him, they can return to some semblance of a normal life complete with all the activities they used to enjoy. He also is candid if he thinks that there will be limitations and doesn’t want to give false hope to some who may have had more difficulty with the stroke situation. But even in those instances, he is positive and encourages people that life is not over, and that positivity and the right mental attitude can do wonders for recovery.

Our riding buddy and doctor- Syed Hyder- instrumental in Jeff’s recovery.

Jeff is in the midst of writing a book on his challenges and recovery. It will be interesting to see what he has valued, and his lessons learned along his path. I am sure he will credit his wife Julie as she has been steadfast in her commitment to him and her willingness to be there every step of the way- encouraging him with his riding, skiing, and his willingness to share his story. The great thing about Jeff is he has always been the pied piper of his ski and riding groups. He now is the pied piper of all those who are trying to make a comeback from a catastrophic event in their lives. Like Jodi said, he is positive, encouraging, and candid, and would not be there if those same people who he is used to gathering about him, would not also be there supporting and praying for him. He is grateful for friends and continues to gather them on rides and on the slopes both in Bend and here in Pittsburgh.

Jeff and his posse here in Pa.
Jeff and his posse at Mt. Bachelor in Bend. ( Tim Girone’s birthday party)

The take- away here is that yes- things happen in life and especially as we all get older. How you handle the difficulties is dependent upon a lot of factors, but Jeff and Julie have handled it well. The important thing is to share your experiences with those who may be going through the same thing. Your experiences, your highs and lows, and your positivity are critical to a lot of people, and it is so inspirational to see a guy like Jeff willing to go out there for people in need. We all are called to do the same thing. Whether you have a critical event, or recognize someone in your community having a difficult time, be there for them. Think of what Jeff would do. Thanks for reading.

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The Century

One of the first rites of passage for a road bicycle rider is the day the decision is made to ride 100 miles or do ……….the Century. In the early days of riding a road bicycle, one has to get used to bike position, saddle comfort, the rules of the road, riding in traffic, riding in a group, wind, rain, and a host of new challenges. Once these are addressed and the mileage improves from day to day, the decision is often made to do a Century ride as a test of one’s fitness and prowess on the road bike.

I remember first learning to ride back in the day when I bought my first Trek road bike. My mentors, Larry Cohen and Chuck Martin got me started and soon enough I was riding, 30, 40 miles and then a longer ride of 50 miles. After a season of good riding, I was encouraged to ride a Century. I forget actually which one it was, but I can tell you I am a veteran of many Centuries . Hilly ones, flat ones in Ohio, windy ones near the Atlantic Ocean, and many more. I learned a lot over the years. Important things like proper clothing, comfortable shorts with chamois, chamois butter or Vaseline to protect the guys, and prevent chafing. Repeated pedaling and perspiring can make a ride pretty uncomfortable if you are not prepared with good lubrication down below. Rain exacerbates the situation and a good lightweight rain jacket stuffed into the back of your jersey is key. Like we always say, no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing.

Nutrition is key as well and back in the day, we could not get enough bananas or Fig Newtons. These were also stuffed into the back of our jerseys and I can remember many times on a hot day, 60 miles out, stuffing the Newtons and bananas in my mouth and wondering how in the heck I was going to get back. Stops at convenience stores along the way were a good option and many times I waddled into the stores with my bike shoes and cleaned out the racks of snacks. I used to use a product called Cytomax, which was an electrolyte powder added to my water bottle. I carried extra in a little bag so I could re-load on the way when I ran out of liquid. You can’t drink enough on a Century.

My friends George Sagan and Art Bonavoglia and I rode a Century one time with a local touring club. These club guys were stuffed into their lycra bike kits and stopped every ten miles for a hoagie, pizza, or other method of what they called refueling. George looked at me and said, ” lets keep riding.” I thought to myself- we could actually gain weight on this ride. LOL!!

Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe

One of the prettiest Centuries I rode was in Lake Tahoe for the Team in Training event which was a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Lots of Centuries are benefits and folks donate money for your cause by matching your miles with dollars. When you are out there suffering at about 90 miles, you think of the good cause for which you are riding and smile. It brings you to the finish line.

One of the fun things about a Century is riding with a group, in a good paceline at a good effort. It makes the miles go quickly and if you are unable to keep up, just keep peddling and another group will come up behind you and you can jump on their train. Nothing like racking up the miles with a good group of riders. And if you are fortunate enough to latch on to a tandem, you can really fly. On the Tahoe ride, our group was behind a couple on a tandem who stopped for lunch and got married on the ride. Pretty cool to be part of their wedding party on the road.

Don’t miss jumping on the tandem bus.

Did a couple of 100 mile races back in the day too. Higher paced rides, which had me laying in the grass at the end, stuffing the Newtons in my mouth and swilling Cytomax out of my bottle while prone on my back. Danny Chew, the many time Race Across America champion, and national class road racer, caught our group one time after getting lost up near Meadville, Pa. He laughed at us and abused us a bit saying he caught us after going about 20 miles out of route. Whatever Danny. We were used to his abuse. Mr. Bike was pretty strong back in the day. As weekender Joe Blows, we were no match for riders like him. But we all had fun at the end remembering the good times on the ride and the usually spectacular scenery.

Lake Tahoe vistas

Another cool thing about riding Centuries is the sense of accomplishment after you finish. Although 100 miles is nothing to a Tour de France rider or a national class road racer, for the local Joe Blow, it is truly an accomplishment accompanied by the confidence that you can do it. The rite of passage is met, and you are on your way to being an experienced cyclist. This leads to more Centuries, races, events, and rides that make you stronger and move you to the next level of fitness.

Riding Centuries is a great way to make friends, spend time with new friends, and have a lifetime of great memories like I do. Thanks to my friend Scott Weiner, I had the opportunity to ride a Century in Maryland a couple of times with 3- time Tour de France Champion, and World Champion, Greg LeMond. Greg had great stories all along the route and signed autographs late into the night. A truly gracious champion who was happy to ride with 6 of us on a couple of sunny weekends in Maryland benefitting One in Six Organization.

Joe Blow and Champion- Greg Lemond. Such a gracious guy!
Poor Greg- had to listen to my stories along the route too.

So, in summary, if you are new to road riding, don’t think that riding a Century is out of sight. Keep riding and getting your miles in. Take advice from experienced riders who are happy to share their knowledge with you. ( Thanks- Mac Martin, Matt Eaton, Danny and Tom Chew, Bob Gottlieb and Jay Wolkoff- for always taking the time to ride with us back in the day preparing us for events). You can ride a Century too as a new rider. Just do your homework, hydrate, eat properly,and take the right clothes. Your preparation will certainly be beneficial and you will have accomplished 100 miles on a road bike. Thanks for reading and keep peddling.

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A Great Start

The start of the season for Trail Adventures

You know, kids these days take kind of a bad rap. We hear stories about drugs, theft, under achievement in school, and other nefarious issues that plague young people today. But it is nice to see a positive program where kids are valued, their experiences in the outdoors are enhanced, and they learn skills on the trails and off the trails that they can use for a lifetime.

Cody Pletz- head honcho for Trail Adventures.

Enter Cody Pletz, who is on a 9 year mission to improve kid’s lives and skills on a mountain bike. His program, Trail Adventures, is part of the recreation programs of the Allegheny County Parks and Recreation Department here in Pittsburgh. The program takes place at Hartwood Acres and at North Park from April until October- Monday through Thursday. Currently the North Park group has 54 riders who all have smiles on their faces whenever we see them in the woods and the skills on the trails are augmented with drills that Cody and his coaches use before the rides .

Angelica Pietranton – local downhill MTB racer and coach for Trail Adventures.

One of the interesting things about Cody’s programs are that several of the kids that have graduated have gone on to race in college and some are even returning as coaches in the program. Riding skills as well as trail etiquette are emphasized as we see groups of the riders stop when we approach if we have the right of way on an uphill section. Several of the parents are coaches and monitors, and it is heartwarming to see the parking lot filled with parents and kids all eager to begin their session with Trail Adventures.

One thing I learned as a father was not to try to force your child into a sport. It is important to try to share your enthusiasm by getting them started but if it is not for them, so be it. They will find their own interests with their friends. That is one of the cool things about Trail Adventures is that even though the parents signed their children up for the program, it is apparent that the kids make friends. The season long weekly outings bond them together in ways that may never have taken place had the program not existed. When you see 54 kids all lined up, doing drills, laughing and having fun with each other, it is heartwarming. If you log on to the Allegheny County Parks and Recreation website, (www.alleghenycounty.us), you will see the sign -ups for the programs. A lot of them are already sold out but take a look. The costs are very modest for the amount of time spent with coaches and on the trails.

One thing about riding a mountain bike is that you can do it for a long time. I know the coaches and they often tell their kids that our crowd is made up of older adults with the point being that we all can share the experiences of this sport together. Old dudes on the trails riding with young rippers. We learn from each other and have a few laughs together too. And mountain biking can be seen as a lifetime sport. Good exercise, in the woods, on the trails, with your friends. What better way to exercise? Cody and his team have done a great job over the years introducing kids to this lifetime activity. With a lot of the negative things happening to our youth today, it is nice to see a program developing young people and giving them way more than skills on a bike. Comradery, appreciation for the great outdoors, and life lessons are all taught by Trail Adventures. Love to see it. Thanks for reading.

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Don’t Let the Old Man In

Two friends still at it- 45 years later.

This is my buddy Eric who lives in Lake Tahoe. He and I have been skiing together for 45 years, and I always learn something new from him every year. He is retired, and coaches kids at his local mountain in Tahoe. We usually ski together in Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain every spring. So last week, 10 months after my previous trip, we were locked and loaded for another round. After our warmup (LOL), which was a high speed cruiser off Chair 2 trying to stay with Eric and his razor sharp carved turns, I found myself at the top of the mountain right off the gondola and staring down Climax . It is one of the double blacks right off the summit and for a brief moment, I thought,” I have this, right?” I mean you have to be on your A game as you make your way through steep moguls to the chalky smooth steeps of the Climax face. As soon as I started turning, it was all auto- pilot and we went non-stop to the McCoy mid station to reload the gondola.

Another Climax Run- photo by Eric Durfee

After a 30K vertical foot day of steeps and cruisers, we came back to the hotel to say hello to Ryan Hurley, the manager of the Quality Inn and a friend of Eric’s. Ryan is a nice guy and probably one of the best skiers in Mammoth. What he showed us next solidified his legend.

Some things never change in 45 years. First in line. Photo by Eric Durfee
Ryan’s broken Faction skis behind the bindings.

Apparently, Ryan that day, rocketed out of Phillipe’s ( one of the steep double black runs at the top of Mammoth), and cranked a hard right hand turn and heard both of his skis snap behind the bindings. He managed to put one of the skis together and carried the other one, and skied on the one broken ski all the way down to the lodge. He said he wanted to ski with us the next day. Really?

Ryan Hurley ready to ski with the old guys ( on a new pair of Faction Skis)

Being the gracious guy that he is, Ryan followed us for a couple of runs and remarked to Eric in the chairlift that we were an inspiration to him. At 44 years old, he saw his future in us as older dudes who can still ski. He also asked how I can ski like I do coming from Pittsburgh. I said, ” Long story Ryan.” But we were happy that he was kind enough to spend a few runs with us before straight lining down Climax and jumping off a rock cropping into the distance. Like I always say……..youth is wasted on the young.

Flipping the coin a little bit, we see Freddy here who is a friend of Eric’s, and skis at one of the local areas in Tahoe. He drives 40 miles to and from the area, four days a week, skis for 4 hours, has lunch and drives back. Freddy is 87. I asked him, how do you do it? The driving, the skiing, the hiking in the off season. He says the secret is eating right ( he has not eaten meat in 20 years). He exercises and says basically he is like a shark……..always moving and looking for food. Freddy is our future barring any injuries or catastrophic illness. We also met two other senior citizens in Tahoe who were 86 and 82. Both of these guys can still ski very well and the one guy Jim, had his kids with him. Kids being in their 50’s. LOL!

Freddy ready to bedeck the bead tree on the way up the chairlift. What an inspiration. 87 years young and can ski really well!!!
The view of perfectly groomed corduroy looking into Lake Tahoe. Photo by Eric Durfee

So as Eric and I face 70 this year, we look back and think about all the great times skiing that we have had and look forward to many, many more. We will try to keep ourselves in good shape by exercising, riding our mountain bikes and hiking, and in short, try to stay ahead of the game. John, one of Eric’s friends who is 82 and a former masters racer, said his secret is to ” keep the old man out.” Not his line really because that belongs to Clint Eastwood when asked how at 93, he has the energy to still direct and produce movies. Clint always responds that he just keeps the old man out. I kind of like that line, and although comparatively speaking with John, Jim and Freddy, and Clint for that matter, we are not old. But we are not 44 either. However, the amazing thing is that we can still ski at a pretty high level, especially Eric. How long we can do that is dependent on a lot of things, but sitting in the lot after another 30 K day at Mammoth, we had some beers with a guy who we call First Chair Kurt. Kurt makes razor sharp carved turns too and as we followed him down all week on the first run, we found out that he is basically our age. He and his pals love to ski and intend to do so for a long time. Kurt skis four days a week at Mammoth and is retired. Like the other guys in his posse. They love to ski and love to talk skiing afterwards in the lot with a few beers sporting their sunglasses. They don’t let the old man in either. A good way to roll. Remember, you don’t quit skiing because you get old, you get old because you quit skiing. Thanks for reading and be like Freddy- the shark who keeps moving, looking for food.

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Skimming into Spring

Jason Eshleman of ” Chair Report” fame- pond skimming in his HKD Snowmaking outfit.

This time of year, when the winter is winding down, most ski areas in the country have events that pay tribute to the winter and have parties celebrating the arrival of spring. A lot of people wait for this time of year because the temperatures tend to moderate, sun is more plentiful, and in short- spring skiing is worth the wait. Don’t quit too soon because you can miss a pretty good time. Instead of playing golf in the mud, continue to ski as long as you can and enjoy – spring skiing.

One of the iconic events at most areas are the annual pond skimming events where the ski areas build a large pond usually near the ski lodge to allow full visibility for people in the lodge as well as people who have made their way down off the mountain. The idea is to get a good run at the pond, jump into it on skis, and hope that your momentum helps you skim over the water safely to the other side. Well as you can imagine, safe passage is not the norm, and there are lots of hilarious crashes, submerges into the water, and other mishaps that make the beer fueled crowd, laugh with delight.

Snowboards and wider skis tend to work better when pond skimming. The water ski effect. Photo courtesy of Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

The event at our local mountain – Seven Springs, evolved from what was the original “Pond Jump”. This event was held in the past before skimming became popular. In those days, the same party atmosphere happened but it was centered around a pond on the backside of the mountain near the Gunnar Chairlift at Seven Springs. Guys would build a huge ramp with a kicker that sent you high into the air, and the result was a splash in the pond for all to enjoy. There was no escaping to the other side in those days. It was, get a good start, get maximum air and do a dive bomb into the pond. Lots of great crashes in those days too with hoots, howls, and laughter.

Local ski race and coaching legend Rick Cellich, getting max air in the old pond jump days. Photo courtesy of Rick Cellich.

Personally, I have never participated in the pond jump or skim. I was always concerned about the landing with skis and boots in the water and hoping not to blow out my knees. In short, I always took a pass and watched the frivolity. But it does take a certain type to participate and mostly it is the younger generation. I always say youth is wasted on the young, but in this case, they earn their stripes. If you get a nice sunny day, it is warm, and the plunge in the water is not that bad. But there have been many pond skimming days recently where it has been in the 30s with snow flurries or rain, and that is what tests your fortitude if you don’t make the other side. It takes a certain outgoing type who is willing to dress in a funny costume, hurl themselves down the slope towards the water, and launch themselves into the unknown of success or failure. People always come out of the water, freezing or not, and have a huge smile on their face. The crowd goes nuts, and their outgoing personalities and confidence are rewarded with huge applause, hoots and hollers, and a cold beer waiting at the end. Pond skimming is not for the meek and mild. It is for the confident, outgoing, show- off types who we all love to watch. I tend to be like them in most aspects, but I have always stood on the sidelines of the pond jump or skim.

Wider skis tend to help . Photo courtesy of Seven Springs Mountain Resort.

So, when I think of the fun that we all have at spring skiing time, I have a smile when I think about that big party called the pond skim. No matter what area you visit in the spring, there are events like this, and you can choose to participate or watch and really, there is nothing more entertaining. It is part of the culture of spring skiing and whatever you do, if you are a skier, don’t quit on the season too soon. You will miss a lot- including the carnage in the water. Thanks for reading and enjoy the spring skiing.

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Thank a Snowmaker, Thank a Groomer

One of the fleet of grooming vehicles at Laurel Mountain.

This ski season has been one of the warmest on record for all of us who live in Western Pa. and the mid- Atlantic in general. No sooner did we receive a nice snowstorm or nice snowmaking temperatures, when a wild upward temperature swing came around, complete with rain. Tough on the surface and tough on the psyche of skiers around here who are trying to enjoy our favorite sport in the winter.

But the absolute saviors of weather woes are the unsung heroes of the ski areas- the snowmaking team and the grooming team. They are often behind the scenes, working hours late at night and into the early dawn, preparing the slopes and trails with fresh machine- made snow and then grooming it so that the skiing has a nice, packed powder surface. I remember the snow makers who worked at Sugarloaf, Maine during the season that I taught skiing there after college. Those guys were the toughest guys on the mountain, surviving sub-zero temps, struggling with frozen hoses, quick disconnects, and in general, trying to make snow in really unbelievable conditions. I see our local snowmakers like Gary and his team from Laurel Mountain who worked all this season, watching the weather reports, and making snow every opportunity they could at night even when the daytime temps were not up to snuff. I would see them turning the guns on and off and working the mountain day and night to maximize the proper air to water ratios and paying attention to things like wet bulb and other weather considerations to make the best possible snow. I would ski up to them and thank them because I know what a tough, frustrating job it is to fight marginal weather and try to do their job.

Jared from the Laurel Snowmaking team after a long night.
Lower Wildcat at Laurel Mountain – steepest pitch in Pa and perfectly groomed 3/1/2024.

The other unsung heroes besides the snowmaking team are the guys and gals who run the grooming vehicles in the ski areas. They take what mother nature gives them and also what the snowmaking team gives them and try to make a groomed, corduroy surface for all of us to enjoy. These folks work these expensive machines mostly at night and into the early morning at ski areas and it is oftentimes a lonely, solitary , job for hours on end.

The grooming team finishing up right before the lifts open for the day

Both the snowmakers and the groomers work unbelievable magic. Locally, we had torrential rain last Wednesday night and Thursday it turned colder in the afternoon. Only for a couple of days. Both teams got to work and made snow in the short window, and groomed most of the nights. The result was a surface that was perfect despite the challenge of Wednesday night. This has happened all year around here, but these selfless employees work their magic to make the skiing as nice as possible in trying conditions. My pal Russ Graswick and I skied Wildcat after the emergency snowmaking and grooming job and remarked that it might have been some of the best skiing on Wildcat this season. He didn’t want to quit, saying- ” One more run – Pat.” I laughed and we made another wonderful run down the Cat.

Russ smiling like a butcher’s dog- thanks to the snowmakers and groomers at Laurel.

No matter what ski area that you frequent, you will always find the unsung heroes like the snowmakers, groomers, ski patrol, and lodge employees who try to make your visit memorable. Our local Laurel Mountain is no exception and all of us regulars remarked how we thought that our teams really stepped up their game this season in spite of really trying work conditions. I have to thank Vail for recognizing what a gem Laurel Mountain is and allowing the local teams to provide a great ski experience for all of us. It has been a short season but after next weekend, we will look forward to next season with anticipation that maybe, just maybe, it will be our turn for a good winter.

So, no matter where you are at the end of the ski season, take the time to thank a snowmaker if you see them. Thank the groomers and in general, be grateful that their hard work makes it possible for us to enjoy the great sport of skiing in a rapidly changing environment. When you take your trips, thank the folks there too because they work just as hard with sometimes too much snow.

My buddy Dixon kind of summarizes the spirit of the local skiers at Laurel Mountain when he takes a case of beer to the snowmaking and grooming team. They truly appreciate his gesture and value the kind comments from all of us on what a great job that they all do. Think snow and hope for some better weather locally next season.

Dixon on his telemark equipment ready to go after dropping off a case of beer to the team.
Looking out into the Ligonier Valley over a perfectly groomed surface.

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Have a Bernie Bar and Relax

So, I opened up a box that came in the mail the other day and to my surprise, it was a box of Bernie Bars from my skiing friend Mark Hutchinson up in Vermont. Hutch is a retired postal service employee and ex-ski coach at Stowe, and knows Bernie from his routes around Randolph Center. I joked with Hutch about where my Bernie Bars were, and lo and behold- they showed up. LOL!! Hutch and his lovely wife Nancy are fun people to ski with, they are avid hikers, and enjoy everything about the Green Mountains of Vermont. In typical Vermont fashion, their political persuasions are more towards the left of center, and I have always admired their zeal to persuade folks towards their way of thinking.(Ethan Allen would be proud ) I personally am becoming more and more a-political, but Hutch keeps me informed on the happenings in the government world and relays his experiences to me. Rich Roll said the other day on his podcast that the most effective way of communication is to not give advice, but rather relay experiences. The Hutchinsons have lots of experience with Nancy and her avid hiking and writing, and Hutch with his ski racing and coaching background. And they are well read on the political scene in Vermont.

Mark and Nancy skiing with us in Bend last winter.

The cool thing about skiing and hiking is that both sports attract those of us who love the outdoors, no matter what we do for a living, what our political persuasions are, whether we have faith or no faith, and have different educational backgrounds. Rarely will you hear a heated political debate on the slopes or the trails. Rather the conversation tends to be about ski technique, ski areas, the conditions of the day, and in hiking, remarking on the beauty of the trails and the great day together. You make really good friends on the ski slopes and hiking trails, many of those friendships last a lifetime – like mine with Hutch and Nancy.

Hutch and I in Mammoth several years ago.

Nancy is a school teacher and a gifted writer and we have shared experiences with our passion for writing. Hutch is a real student of ski technique, and we have many conversations about that topic. He sends me videos all summer which I love to get, seeing that I can talk about skiing all summer too. But rarely do we get into a political discussion. My view is what do we really know? What is spin and what is not? On either side of the spectrum. I don’t get too excited because there is not much I can do about the world today other than perhaps cast my vote to get someone in or out of office. Also being kind to people helps, because you never know what they are going through. Kindness is definitely a way to make a difference- one person at a time, one neighborhood at a time. Politics is not really that important to me (maybe it should be?) – but Hutch keeps me in the game. I have learned things that I did not know before. And he sent me Bernie Bars!

Lifetime friends Eric and Hutch at June Mountain, California.

I have spent a lot of time skiing with Hutch, especially when our friend Eric was laid up and could not ski at times. Hutch and I would go out and ski and never look at a map. We just went wherever we felt like going. LOL! Hutch has a wonderful sense of humor and he makes me laugh when we ski and maneuver our way around a ski area. He finds the funny things about skiing and has me in stiches, as many times he was my room- mate on our guys ski trips – organized by Eric Durfee. I tend to think that Hutch missed his calling. I have videos of him commenting on camera up at Whiteface and at June Mountain out in California. He is so articulate on those videos and also humorous. I have posted them to the amusement of my ski friends.

So, the upcoming election cycle has a lot of people with their shorts in a wad. There is going to be a lot of political division even more so than what is taking place right now. It is good to educate yourself, but like Rich Roll says, just relay your experiences in conversation and don’t ruin a good friendship with a political discussion that will really not make much of a difference anyhow. Enjoy your friends. Eat a Bernie Bar and enjoy it as people all around you lose their heads. Ski with a friend, hike with a friend, and enjoy the outdoors because the older you get, those quality days left are really what is important anyhow. Thanks for reading.

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